Thermometer Coded Attenuator

ABSTRACT

Techniques are disclosed that allow for programmable attenuation using thermometer code steps. By thermometer coding the attenuator structure, monotonicity is guaranteed or otherwise greatly improved, which eliminates instability problems with automatic gain control loops and without the need for compensation or trimming. In addition, the thermometer coding technique also greatly reduces phase discontinuity between adjacent gain states.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to attenuators, and more particularly, to athermometer coded attenuator structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is known, an attenuator circuit reduces the power of a signal withoutdistorting or changing other signal parameters (e.g., frequency,waveform shape, etc). As such, attenuators are commonly used foramplitude or gain control in high-frequency applications. Typicalattenuator styles include fixed-value attenuators (sometimes referred toas pads), continuously variable attenuators, and digitally programmableattenuators (sometimes referred to as digital attenuators).

Unlike fixed-value and continuously variable attenuators, digitalattenuators respond to a control signal by switching in discrete, finiteattenuation steps (hence, digital attenuator). The control signal isgenerally provided by the control logic and driver circuitry, which inturn controls the attenuator structure to provide the desired level ofattenuation. The control logic and driver circuitry can vary, forexample, depending on factors such as the desired complexity, controlspeed, and specifics of the target application (e.g., room available forattenuator and cost constraints).

Digital attenuators are generally specified by the number of bits ofattenuation (e.g., such as a 10-bit attenuator), wherein each bitcorresponds to a step of attenuation. The least-significant bit (LSB)selects the smallest single step of attenuation that can be provided bythe attenuator and the most-significant bit (MSB) selects the singlelargest step of attenuation, with the attenuation steps in between thesetwo extremes selected by combinations including the remaining bits. Whenonly the LSB is selected, the attenuator provides its minimumattenuation step, and when all the bits are selected, a digitalattenuator provides its maximum attenuation step.

Typical attenuator designs employ a binary weighted switching schemethat operates in conjunction with a network of progressively increasingresistance values (generally referred to as a resistive ladder or ‘R-2R’network). In particular, when only the LSB is selected, only thesmallest resistance value is switched in to set the signal path gain toprovide the minimum attenuation step. Likewise, when all the bits areselected, all the resistance values are switched in to set the signalpath gain to provide the maximum attenuation step.

There are a number of problems associated with such binary (or other)weighted switching schemes to control signal path gain in conventionalattenuator designs, including poor monotonicity and phase discontinuity.There is a need, therefore, for better attenuator designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention provides a method forattenuating a signal using a thermometer coded attenuator device havinga number of attenuator steps. The method includes applying a controlcode to a thermometer coded attenuator network to provide a desiredattenuation step. The thermometer coded attenuator network has an inputport and an output port and a plurality of impedance elements, and eachimpedance element is operatively coupled between the input and outputports and in parallel with one another. The method continues withattenuating an analog signal using the thermometer coded attenuatornetwork, and maintaining a constant signal delay for each availableattenuation step. The method may include the preliminary steps ofreceiving an attenuator control code having a first form (e.g., binaryattenuator control code), and converting that attenuator control code toa second control code (e.g., thermometer control code), wherein thesecond control code is applied to thermometer coded attenuator networkto provide a desired attenuation step. Note, however, that thethermometer coded attenuator network can be controlled by other controlcodes, and is not limited to thermometer control codes. In oneparticular case, the thermometer coded attenuator device has a frequencyband of interest, and the thermometer coded attenuator network has a lowimpedance node that forms a pole that is outside the frequency band ofinterest. The method can be carried out, for instance, by asystem-on-chip, although numerous other configurations will be apparentin light of this disclosure. In another particular case, the constantsignal delay for each available attenuation step is such that variancein signal delay across all attenuation steps is 5% or less.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a device forattenuating a signal. The device includes a thermometer coded attenuatornetwork for providing a desired attenuation step responsive to a controlcode. The thermometer coded attenuator network has an input port and anoutput port and a plurality of impedance elements, and each impedanceelement is operatively coupled between the input and output ports and inparallel with one another. The system further includes an amplifier forattenuating an analog signal using the thermometer coded attenuatornetwork. The device maintains a constant delay through the thermometercoded attenuator network for each available attenuation step. The devicemay include a code converter for receiving an attenuator control codehaving a first form (e.g., binary attenuator control code), and forconverting that attenuator control code to a second control code (e.g.,thermometer control code, or other suitable code), wherein the secondcontrol code is applied to the thermometer coded attenuator network toprovide a desired attenuation step. In one particular case, thethermometer coded attenuator device has a frequency band of interest,and the thermometer coded attenuator network has a low impedance nodethat forms a pole that is outside the frequency band of interest. Theconstant signal delay for each available attenuation step can be suchthat variance in signal delay across all attenuation steps is, forinstance, 5% or less in some cases, or 2% or less in other cases. Thedevice can be included, for example, in a system-on-chip configurationthat calls for attenuation.

The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and,in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparentto one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings,specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that thelanguage used in the specification has been principally selected forreadability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope ofthe inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a thermometer coded attenuator device,configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a thermometer coded attenuator device,configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates method for attenuating a signal using a thermometercoded attenuator device, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Programmable attenuator techniques and devices are disclosed. Thetechniques enable improved monotonicity and eliminate or otherwisedecrease phase discontinuity, relative to conventional attenuatordesigns.

General Overview

As previously explained, conventional attenuator designs use binary (orother) weighted switching schemes to control signal path gain. There area number of problems associated with such conventional designs,including poor monotonicity and phase discontinuity.

In more detail, when binary weighted switching is used in an attenuatorstructure, the signal path delay becomes a function of gain state. Thiscauses large variations in signal phase between adjacent gain states,which is unacceptable for many applications. Traditionally, a lasertrimming procedure (or other suitable fine tuning process) is used toreduce discontinuities. However, such ad hoc adjustments are notfeasible with high-volume monolithic integration (e.g., system-on-chipapplications that employ programmable attenuation).

Additionally, binary weighting does not guarantee monotonicity. Thismeans some gain states may increase in value, while the digitalattenuation command was intended to decrease gain, and vice-versa. Thisinconsistency generally causes instability in gain control loops. Again,circuit trimming techniques can be used to improve monotonicity, butsuch a corrective solution effectively requires customization of eachdevice and is not amenable to low cost volume production.

Thus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, aprogrammable attenuator structure is configured to decode binaryweighted steps into thermometer code weighted steps. By thermometercoding the attenuator structure, monotonicity is guaranteed or otherwisegreatly improved, which eliminates instability problems with automaticgain control loops and without the need for compensation or trimming. Inaddition, the thermometer coding technique described herein also greatlyreduces phase discontinuity between adjacent gain states.

Example applications in which the techniques may be applied include, forinstance, automatic-gain-control (AGC) circuits and variable-gainamplifier (VGA) circuits. Many communication waveforms and applications(e.g., such as direction finding) require an attenuation scheme having acontinuous phase versus gain state transfer function. The techniquesprovided herein enable such an attenuation scheme, but without the needfor elaborate off-chip trimming approaches, and further enablehigh-volume monolithic integration.

A thermometer coded attenuator structure as described herein may beincluded in any number of system configurations, whether that systemincludes various discrete components operatively coupled to one anothervia conductive runs and/or cabling (e.g., multiple components on one ormore printed circuit boards, including an attenuator structureconfigured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention),or a system-on-chip (SOC) configuration wherein multiple electronicfunctions and circuit types are integrated onto a signal die or chipset. Numerous applications will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

Attenuator Architecture

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a thermometer coded attenuator device,configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.The device can be used in any number of applications requiringattenuation (e.g., SOC for communications or directionfinding/geolocation), and is particularly suitable for thoseapplications calling for monotonicity and phase continuity.

As can be seen, the thermometer coded attenuator device includes athermometer coded attenuator network (R_(IN)) that is operativelycoupled to an amplifier (Amp) having a feedback network (R_(F)). Thegain factor of the attenuator signal path is determined by R_(F)/R_(IN).In this example, the attenuator gain is programmable in that the valueof R_(IN) can be adjusted based on the output of thebinary-to-thermometer code converter, which is in turn coupled todigital control circuitry. An optional thermometer coded port matchingnetwork may be provided as well, which can also be controlled by thebinary-to-thermometer code converter output. In any case, signalsapplied to the input port of the attenuator device (Port 1) can beselectively attenuated based on the programmable gain/attenuation factorR_(F)/R_(IN), with the resulting attenuated signal being provided at theoutput port of the attenuator device (Port 2).

The amplifier can be implemented with any suitable amplifier circuit(e.g., conventional op-amp circuitry or customized design). Theamplifier can be selected or otherwise designed so as to provideperformance parameters suitable for the target application, includingpower rating, frequency band of operation, slew rate, input offsetvoltage, and input impedance. Any number of amplifier designs can beused here, and the present invention is not intended to be limited toany particular amplifier design. So long as the amplifier can beconfigured as an attenuator that is programmable using a thermometercoded network as described herein.

The feedback network can be, for example, a resistor having a fixedvalue suitable for providing the desired R_(F). Other feedback networkconfigurations can be used as well, such as those including filteringand/or integration capability, with such additional feedback networkfunctionality depending on the target application. The thermometer codedattenuator network employs a thermometer coded resistor array to providea programmable R_(IN). Other thermometer coded attenuator networkconfigurations can be used as well, such as those including filteringcapability, with such additional input network functionality dependingon the target application. Further details of the thermometer codedattenuator network will be provided with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Anumber of variations and attenuator programming schemes will be apparentin light of this disclosure. For example, in one alternative embodiment,the attenuator gain factor can be adjusted by adjusting the value ofR_(F) (e.g., thermometer coded feedback network) based on the output ofthe binary-to-thermometer code converter. Still in other embodiments,the attenuator gain factor can be adjusted by selectively adjusting boththe values of R_(F) and R_(IN) (e.g., thermometer coded input andfeedback networks) based on the output of the binary-to-thermometer codeconverter.

In any such cases, note that the signal path flows through thethermometer coded attenuator network, which is distinct from aconventional attenuator network (e.g., R-2R resistive ladder) that ismerely controlled by a thermometer code (or other control code, such asbinary). A thermometer coded attenuator network has inherently lowerphase discontinuity between gain states than a conventional R-2Rresistive ladder network primarily because the signal path length of theattenuator structure does not change. In more detail, a thermometercoded attenuator structure uses parallel circuitry. As such, all signalsmust pass through or otherwise connect to the same two points, node Aand node B. In contrast, a conventional R-2R resistive ladder attenuatorstructure is serial in nature. Thus, there are many intermediate pointsalong the signal path that get selected or bypassed. This has the effectof changing the net delay of the signal, which equates to phase. Manycommunication waveforms cannot tolerate large phase discontinuities, forexample, when the gain is tuned to match a time varying signal (e.g.,data gets corrupted and must be resent, effectively slowing down thedata rate).

Another distinction between a thermometer coded attenuator structure anda conventional R-2R resistive ladder attenuator structure has to do withthe circuit topology, in that a thermometer coded structure as describedherein effectively drives a very low input impedance node of theamplifier (node B). Low impedance as used here refers to the attenuatornetwork, not the input impedance of the operational amplifier, which isvery high. This low impedance node of the attenuator network forms apole that is very high in frequency, relative to the frequency band ofinterest. Thus, although this high frequency pole moves around whilechanging the thermometer coded resistor array, it is far from thespectrum of interest and has no phase impact on in-band signals. Incontrast, an R-2R ladder network again has intermediate points that areresistively loaded (not low impedance). As such, even if the path delaydifferences could be minimized, there still remains the problem of apole moving around that is in, or otherwise close to being, in-band,thereby causing large phase discontinuities.

The digital control circuitry, which can be implemented withconventional technology, is configured to provide a binary code thatcorresponds to the desired level of attenuation to be provided. Thenumber of bits of the binary code will depend on factors such as thedesired number of attenuation steps. Although this example employs adigital circuitry to provide a binary code, any number of suitablecontrol circuits can be used, as will be apparent in light of thisdisclosure (e.g., binary, thermometer, analog, and manual controlcircuits).

The binary-to-thermometer code converter, which can also be implementedwith conventional technology, operates to convert the binary controlsignal (output by the digital control circuitry) into a thermometercode. The thermometer code is then applied to the thermometer codedattenuator network (as well as the thermometer code port matchingnetwork, if applicable). As is known, while a binary code includesweighted bits and provides a degree of efficiency (e.g., a 3-bit binarycode allows for up to 7 distinct codes), the bits of a thermometer codeall have the same weight (e.g., a 3-bit binary code translates to a7-bit thermometer code). In alternative embodiments, the code convertercan be adapted to convert whatever code type is provided by the controlcircuitry into a thermometer code. In other embodiments, the controlcircuitry can be configured to provide a thermometer code, therebyeliminating the need for the code converter circuitry. Recall, however,that employing a thermometer code for control does not necessitate oreven imply a thermometer coded attenuator network. In addition, athermometer coded attenuator network does not require a thermometer codeto be controlled. Rather, the thermometer coded attenuator network asprovided herein can be controlled by any number of suitable control codesignal types (binary, thermometer, or analog), so long as that controlsignal correctly sets the thermometer coded attenuator network.

The optional thermometer coded port matching network can be used toprovide a better impedance match at port 1, with respect to the outputimpedance of the source circuitry and R_(IN). As is known, suchimpedance matching can be used to improve input return loss. In thisexample embodiment, the output of the binary-to-thermometer codeconverter can be used to adjust the matching network in conjunction withadjusting the thermometer coded attenuator network value, R_(IN).

As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, the impedance atnodes A and B are related to a ratio between the lowest impedance of thethermometer coded attenuator network (e.g., when all switching devicesare switched on simultaneously) and the impedances of the nodes drivingand loading the thermometer coded attenuator network. Generally, thelower the impedances driving/loading ports 1 and 2 relative to thethermometer coded attenuator network, the better the phase performanceand the wider the bandwidth that can be achieved. In some embodiments,the driving/loading impedances are less than minimum impedance of thethermometer coded attenuator network, but this is not absolutelynecessary. In one specific example case, there is about a 10:1 (networkto ports) impedance ratio, or about 45 ohms to about 5 ohms. Higherimpedance ratios (e.g., 100:10, 1000:100, etc) can be used, depending onthe frequency of interest. In a more general sense, the impedance atnodes A and B can be as high as desired, so long as the attenuatorfunctions for its intended purpose.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a thermometer coded attenuator device,configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.As can be seen, the thermometer coded attenuator device of this exampleembodiment includes a thermometer coded attenuator network that isoperatively coupled to the input of an amplifier (Amp) having a fixedfeedback network (R_(F)). The gain factor of the attenuator signal pathis determined by R_(F)/R_(eff), wherein R_(eff) is the effectiveresistance of the thermometer coded attenuator network after it has beenprogrammed to provide a desired attenuation step.

In this specific example, the attenuator gain is programmable in thatthe value of R_(eff) can be adjusted based on the output of the N-to-Mbinary-to-thermometer code converter (e.g., where N is the number ofbinary bits and M is the number of thermometer code bits, such as a4-to-15 binary-to-thermometer code converter). The previous disclosurewith reference to FIG. 1, relative to the thermometer coded attenuatornetwork, amplifier, fixed feedback network (R_(F)),binary-to-thermometer code converter, and optional thermometer codedport matching network is equally applicable here. Additional details ofthe thermometer coded attenuator device will now be further discussedwith reference to FIG. 2.

In the example embodiment of FIG. 2 provides a thermometer codedattenuator device that operates linear in dB, and has a controlinterface that is 100% digital. Alternative embodiments may use anyother suitable control scheme such as, for example, a flashanalog-to-digital converter in the control path. In such aconfiguration, the control signal is an analog voltage, but can beconverted to linear in dB digital signals with appropriately weightedcomparators. As is known, linear in dB is a desirable operatingbehavior.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, it is achieved by taking an N-bitbinary digital control word, and using digital logic to convert it to2^(N-1) control lines that are thermometer coded to control the actualattenuator network, and at very low power. The N-to-Mbinary-to-thermometer code converter carries out this conversion, and ittruth table is shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Binary (N: 0) Thermometer (M: 0) R_(eff) 0 . . . 0000 0 . . .00000000 R0 0 . . . 0001 0 . . . 00000001 R0//R1 0 . . . 0010 0 . . .00000011 R0//R1//R2 0 . . . 0011 0 . . . 00000111 R0//R1//R2//R3 0 . . .0100 0 . . . 00001111 R0//R1//R2//R3//R4 0 . . . 0101 0 . . . 00011111 .0 . . . 0110 0 . . . 00111111 . 0 . . . 0111 0 . . . 01111111 . 0 . . .1000 0 . . . 11111111 . . . . 1 . . . 1111 1 . . . 111111111 All R's inparallel

Thus, M equals 2^(N-1), and the gain equals R_(F)/R_(eff). Note that thesignal path of the analog signal to be attenuated (i.e., analog signalpath) is thermometer coded. Further note that the signal path of thecontrol signal that provides the desired level of attenuation (i.e.,control signal path) is thermometer coded. Other control code schemescan be used, and the present invention is not intended to be limited tothermometer coded control. For instance, weighted control codes (analogor digital) can be used, if so desired. In any such cases, and as can befurther seen, the delay or phase shift on the analog signal path betweennodes A and B of the thermometer coded attenuator network is constant.

Port 1 can be driven, for example, either by a low impedance node (i.e.,without the optional port matching network) or by a source having anoutput impedance that is sufficiently matched by optional port matchingnetwork. As previously explained, the low impedance node B eliminatesthe in-band pole, which can cause gain dependent phase and amplitudecharacteristics over frequency.

The switching devices Q₁ through Q_(M) (e.g., FETs or other suitableswitching devices) and impedance devices R₁ through R_(M) (e.g., thinfilm resistors or other suitable impedance devices) can be implementedwith conventional technology. In one example embodiment, the switchingand impedance devices are implemented using standard CMOS fabricationmethodologies in a system-on chip-configuration, includingphotolithography patterning, etching, and deposition steps. Any numberof fabrication methods can be employed. The size of switching devices Q₁through Q_(M) can be scaled in proportion to R₁ through R_(M) impedancedevice values, given consideration of factors such as power densities,attenuation steps, and switching speeds. Further, note that the inputand output nodes (nodes A and B) of the thermometer coded attenuatornetwork can be reversed. By keeping the input and output nodes of thethermometer coded attenuator network at low impedance, the impact ofparasitic capacitance of the network is minimized.

Methodology

FIG. 3 illustrates method for attenuating a signal using a thermometercoded attenuator device, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. The method can be achieved, for instance, by athermometer coded attenuator structure as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The method of this example embodiment includes receiving 301 a binaryattenuator control code, and converting 303 that binary attenuatorcontrol code to a thermometer control code. Note that this control codegenerally corresponds to a desired attention step, and may be generatedin any form and applied in any form, depending on the control interfacethat is desired. As previously explained, the binary to thermo codeconversion can be implemented as conventionally done (e.g., static logicgates or programmable logic).

In this example case, the method continues with applying 305 thethermometer control code to thermometer coded attenuator network toprovide a desired attenuation step, and attenuating 309 an analog signalusing the thermometer coded attenuator network. As will be appreciated,the thermometer control code essentially effects an instant (or close toinstant) change in attenuation level of the signal. As previouslyexplained, the thermometer coded attenuator network includes two lowimpedance ports (input and output ports) operatively coupled to aparallel network of impedance devices, each of which is switchablyconnected between the two nodes. In some cases, note that the firstimpedance device may be always in-circuit (i.e., not switched in), if sodesired.

The method further includes maintaining 311 a constant delay through thethermometer coded attenuator network for each available attenuationstep. This is achieved by eliminating intermediate points of thethermometer coded attenuator network along the analog signal path thatget selected or bypassed or otherwise manipulated. Thus, the net delay(or phase shift) of analog signals passing through the thermometer codedattenuator network remains substantially constant, regardless of theattenuation step selected (e.g., variance in signal delay across allattenuation steps is 10% or less in some embodiments; variance in signaldelay across all attenuation steps is 5% or less in other embodiments;and variance in signal delay across all attenuation steps is 2% or lessin still other embodiments). The minor degree of phase shift (if any)will depend on factors such as tolerancing on the components of thethermometer coded attenuator network (e.g., tighter tolerancing providessmaller variance in delay), as well as the symmetry of the thermometercoded attenuator network parallel network relative to the input andoutput ports (e.g., variation in signal path geometries through theparallel structure is minimized).

With respect to symmetry, in one example embodiment, the input andoutput ports are positioned across from one another on a common plane orline that effectively divides the parallel network of impedancecomponents in half (e.g., center line of the parallel structure, suchthat the same number of impedance components is above and below theline). In such as case, the distance from the impedance element at oneend of the parallel network to the center line is the same as thedistance from the impedance element at the other end of the parallelnetwork to the center line. This would mean that the analog signal paththrough either of these two outer parallel paths is the same physicaldistance. The shape and geometry of each parallel signal path betweenthe input and output nodes can also be the same, to further reduce phasediscontinuity.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has beenpresented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthis disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention belimited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claimsappended hereto.

1. A method for attenuating a signal using a thermometer codedattenuator device having a number of attenuator steps, the methodcomprising: applying a control code to a thermometer coded attenuatornetwork to provide a desired attenuation step, the thermometer codedattenuator network having an input port and an output port and aplurality of impedance elements, each impedance element operativelycoupled between the input and output ports and in parallel with oneanother; attenuating an analog signal using the thermometer codedattenuator network; and maintaining a constant signal delay for eachavailable attenuation step.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprisingthe preliminary steps of: receiving an attenuator control code having afirst form; and converting that attenuator control code to a secondcontrol code, wherein the second control code is applied to thermometercoded attenuator network to provide a desired attenuation step.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the control code is a thermometer controlcode.
 4. The method of claim 3 further comprising: receiving a binaryattenuator control code; and converting that binary attenuator controlcode to the thermometer control code.
 5. The method of claim 1 whereinthe thermometer coded attenuator device has a frequency band ofinterest, and thermometer coded attenuator network has a low impedancenode that forms a pole that is outside the frequency band of interest.6. The method of claim 1 wherein the method is carried out by asystem-on-chip.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the constant signaldelay for each available attenuation step is such that variance insignal delay across all attenuation steps is 5% or less.
 8. A device forattenuating a signal, the device comprising: a thermometer codedattenuator network for providing a desired attenuation step responsiveto a control code, the thermometer coded attenuator network having aninput port and an output port and a plurality of impedance elements,each impedance element operatively coupled between the input and outputports and in parallel with one another; and an amplifier for attenuatingan analog signal using the thermometer coded attenuator network; whereinthe device maintains a constant delay through the thermometer codedattenuator network for each available attenuation step.
 9. The device ofclaim 8 further comprising: a code converter for receiving an attenuatorcontrol code having a first form, and for converting that attenuatorcontrol code to a second control code, wherein the second control codeis applied to thermometer coded attenuator network to provide a desiredattenuation step.
 10. The device of claim 8 wherein the control code isa thermometer control code.
 11. The device of claim 10 furthercomprising: a code converter for receiving a binary attenuator controlcode, and for converting that binary attenuator control code to thethermometer control code.
 12. The device of claim 8 wherein thethermometer coded attenuator device has a frequency band of interest,and the thermometer coded attenuator network has a low impedance nodethat forms a pole that is outside the frequency band of interest. 13.The device of claim 8 wherein the constant signal delay for eachavailable attenuation step is such that variance in signal delay acrossall attenuation steps is 5% or less.
 14. The device of claim 8 whereinthe constant signal delay for each available attenuation step is suchthat variance in signal delay across all attenuation steps is 2% orless.
 15. The device of claim 8 wherein the device is included in asystem-on-chip.
 16. A device for attenuating a signal, the device havinga frequency band of interest and comprising: a thermometer codedattenuator network for providing a desired attenuation step responsiveto a control code, the thermometer coded attenuator network having aninput port and an output port and a plurality of impedance elements,each impedance element operatively coupled between the input and outputports and in parallel with one another, wherein the thermometer codedattenuator network has a low impedance node that forms a pole that isoutside the frequency band of interest; and an amplifier for attenuatingan analog signal using the thermometer coded attenuator network, theamplifier configured with a fixed feedback network; wherein the devicemaintains a constant delay through the thermometer coded attenuatornetwork for each available attenuation step.
 17. The device of claim 16further comprising: a code converter for receiving an attenuator controlcode having a first form, and for converting that attenuator controlcode to a second control code, wherein the second control code isapplied to thermometer coded attenuator network to provide a desiredattenuation step.
 18. The device of claim 16 wherein the constant signaldelay for each available attenuation step is such that variance insignal delay across all attenuation steps is 5% or less.
 19. The deviceof claim 16 wherein the constant signal delay for each availableattenuation step is such that variance in signal delay across allattenuation steps is 2% or less.
 20. The device of claim 16 wherein thedevice is included in a system-on-chip.